Lesson 2 : Basic Parts of the Microcomputer
2.1. Learning Objectives
On completion of this lesson you will be able to describe
i) Different parts of a microcomputer
ii) Function of different parts.
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2.2. Introduction
A microcomputer is composed of many separate components. These components can be easily separated from one another and be replaced by a new one. The main job of microcomputer troubleshooting is just the following two steps:
i) Find out the faulty component for which the computer is not working properly.
ii) Replace the faulty component with a new one.
So at first we have to know what the components of a microcomputer.
The components of a microcomputer can be divided in 2 portions:
i) Components inside the Casing
ii) Components outside the Casing.
Casing or chassis is the box, inside which all the main devices of a microcomputer reside.
2.3. Components Inside the Casing
Inside the casing there are a few components:
i) Motherboard: Contains the circuit to combine different portions of a microcomputer.
ii) CPU: It is the central device. It controls the whole computer through the motherboard.
iii) RAM: It is the Random Access Memory. The CPU stores and retrieves data in RAM
iv) ROM: It is the Read Only Memory. It contains the program that is run during the startup period. It also contains basic routines to control different I/O devices.
v) Bus slots: Different external cards are connected with the motherboard through the bus slots.
vi) Memory card: Random Access Memory available in cards.
vii) Display card: Controls the display unit.
viii) Multifunction board: It contains
ix) Printer port: Printer is connected through this port
x) System clock/calendar: Stores information about current date and time
xi) Serial port (RS-232C port): Mouse, modem etc. are connected through this port.
xii) Disk controller: It controls the floppy and hard disk.
xiii) Power supply unit: Supplies Power to the Microcomputer.
xiv) Disk drives:
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